The Careenage

In the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados lies The Careenage waterway, a body of water which in earlier years was large enough to accommodate steady traffic in the form of Inter-island boats which came up to Barbados to ply their trade. Bridgetown discovered in 1628, was originally called Indian Bridge as a consequence of a main bridge, called by same name, which presided over the Careenage River.

The Careenage waters flow behind the Wharf Road and straight behind the Fairchild St. bus stand along what is known as River Road. Independence Square, The Boardwalk and the picturesque Waterfront Café are a few of the spots in Bridgetown which "front" the canal.

Today the careenage waters serve as a home or docking point for small fishing boats and other pleasure craft, like the catamarans which take their passengers out on party or lunch cruises. Walking along The Careenage in Bridgetown Barbados, allows you to take in some of the historical sites in the capital, get something to eat at The Waterfront or shop at some of the quaint boutiques which line the waterway on the western-side towards the Pierhead.